Sunday Independent (Ireland)

So long to subtle

Fortune favours the brave — so be bold and courageous in the colours you use if you want to bring added zest to your interiors

- Darren Kennedy

Bold colours and patterns are big this year as a commitment to colour continues. Pigments of varying intensity are omnipresen­t in paint shades, tiles, wallpapers and textiles. Personally I’m all for it.

I adore a bold burst of colour and I truly believe it can be one of the most transforma­tive and stimulatin­g ways to embrace change in our homes.

Walls are where you can quickly make the most significan­t statement. If you’re feeling brave, paint an entire room in a bold, eye-catching colour such as a zesty green or an energetic orange. These colours stimulate the senses and breathe life and energy into a space. If an entire room feels like too much, consider painting a feature wall or using these colours in an eyecatchin­g wallpaper design. If you want to take it to the next level, try a vibrant mural wallpaper for maximum impact — it’s definitely a conversati­on starter!

Next, consider your furniture. A single piece such as a sofa or bench in a vibrant, eyecatchin­g colour can serve as the focal point of a room. Perhaps a punchy pink sofa, sunshine yellow bookcase or ruby red coffee table. This allows you to keep the rest of your colour scheme more neutral, balancing the boldness of colour.

Throw pillows, blankets, rugs, and curtains in bright, saturated colours will add warmth and character to a room. Mixing different patterns and textures creates a sense of depth and dimension, making your space feel more layered and lived-in.

Accessoris­ing is where you can really get creative. Picture frames, vases, artwork and even books can all be used to introduce pops of eye-catching colour. While some consider it sacrilege, I highly recommend colour-coding books for a rainbow effect. These smaller details allow you to experiment with different hues and tones without the commitment of investing in larger, costly items.

Lighting is another area where you can incorporat­e colours. Of course, we can’t forget about the power of nature. For a real eye-catching addition, consider plants with colourful foliage or flowers.

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a home that brings you joy. So whether you opt for a vibrant wall colour, a bold piece of furniture, colourful accessorie­s or all the above, these all have the power to uplift your mood and transform your home into a place that makes you smile.

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